Developing servant leadership in an educational context: Case of Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC)

This paper examines how Christ-centered servant leaders are formed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) through the educational model at Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC)/Christian Bilingual University of Congo. Addressing the legacies of authoritarian leadership, UCBC fosters a generation of leaders rooted in the servant leadership exemplified by Jesus Christ. With the motto “being transformed to transform”, the university develops leaders who prioritize humility, service, and collective responsibility over personal ambition. This study uses Greenleaf's servant leadership framework and Ubuntu philosophy to explore how UCBC integrates spiritual development, academic inquiry, and community service in its educational approach. By prioritizing faith and learning, the university shapes leaders whose character and actions align with the biblical mandate to serve. The UCBC model is a replicable example for Christian institutions fostering servant leadership in post-colonial histories and socio-political challenges. Key words: servant leadership, Ubuntu, leadership formation, educational context in the DRC.